From left to proper: Mojtaba Khamenei, Ali Asghar Hejazi and Mohammad Golpayegani
As Israeli bombs hit Tehran and high Iranian commanders are killed, 86-year-old Supreme Chief Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is extra remoted than ever. This has led to rising questions on who may exchange him if he dies.Khamenei has misplaced a number of of his closest army and intelligence advisers in latest Israeli airstrikes. Among the many lifeless are Hossein Salami, the commander-in-chief of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, Amir Ali Hajizadeh, head of its ballistic missile programme, and spy chief Mohammad Kazemi. These males weren’t simply senior officers however central figures in Khamenei’s advisory circle.The lack of high leaders has raised doubts about how sturdy Iran’s management is and what would possibly occur to the regime subsequent.For now, Khamenei stays in energy. He retains the ultimate say on all main selections in Iran, from warfare to judicial appointments. These acquainted with his management describe him as “extraordinarily cussed but additionally extraordinarily cautious”, a mindset credited with maintaining him on the high since 1989.As US President Donald Trump warned that Iran’s Supreme Chief Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is “a simple goal” and admitted the US is aware of precisely the place he’s, hypothesis is rising over who would possibly take over if Khamenei is eradicated. Although Trump stated there are “no present plans” to kill him, he added, “Our endurance is carrying skinny,” elevating fears of a attainable strike.With Khamenei more and more remoted and Iran below assault, listed here are the highest contenders who may succeed him if the unthinkable occurs.Mojtaba KhameneiMojtaba, the Supreme Chief’s 55-year-old son, is a mid-ranking cleric who has remained largely out of public view. He’s believed to play a key behind-the-scenes position in coordinating safety and political affairs and is especially near the Revolutionary Guards. Many observers consider Khamenei has been quietly grooming him for succession. Nonetheless, a dynastic switch of energy could face resistance even inside Iran’s conservative institution.Ali Asghar HejaziBecause the deputy for political-security affairs within the Supreme Chief’s workplace, Hejazi wields huge affect backstage. Reuters has described him as probably the most highly effective intelligence official within the nation, with direct oversight of safety operations and shut ties to each the Guards and clerical elites. He’s not a cleric, however his proximity to Khamenei provides him appreciable weight.Learn: Tehran fires hypersonic missile; Donald Trump points new warning – 10 key factorsMohammad GolpayeganiMohammad Golpayegani is the long-time chief of employees in Khamenei’s workplace and certainly one of his most trusted aides. He’s identified for being loyal and maintaining a low profile. Whereas not well-known to the general public, his deep information of how the system works and his central position behind the scenes make him a attainable shock candidate or key participant in selecting the subsequent chief.Ali Akbar VelayatiAli Akbar Velayati, a former international minister and senior adviser to Khamenei on international affairs, blends non secular information with years of presidency expertise. He sits on the Expediency Council and strongly helps Iran’s regional alliances. Although he’s revered and trusted, his previous age and poor well being may work towards him.Kamal KharaziKamal Kharazi, a former international minister, now leads Iran’s Strategic Council on Overseas Relations. He sounds extra average than hardliners however has all the time stayed inside the regime’s limits. Fluent in English and skilled on the UN, he helped form Iran’s diplomacy after the nuclear deal. Some within the authorities see him as a talented, technocratic possibility.Ali LarijaniAli Larijani, former parliament speaker and ex-head of Iran’s state broadcaster, comes from a widely known clerical household in Qom. A conservative with a sensible method, he’s near Khamenei and the safety forces but additionally seen as considerably impartial. His expertise and loyalty to the regime make him a attainable compromise candidate.The Meeting of SpecialistsIran’s structure provides the ability of succession to the Meeting of Specialists, an 88-member physique of senior clerics elected each eight years. This group is anticipated to deliberate in secret and will even appoint a management council fairly than a single Supreme Chief. Many consider Mojtaba’s probabilities will depend upon whether or not the meeting members are united, divided, or coerced.Learn: Centrifuge web site hit, 50 jets concerned; why its a giant blow to Tehran’s nuclear programme
